Music and Food Line-up Announced for Ribfest

Start loosening those belt buckles; the food and music line-up for Ribfest is here.

Chicago-based California Wives and rock band Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will headline Saturday night’s performances on Ribfest's two stages. Other bands include Leadfoot, Swearwords, AyOH and We Were Promised Jetpacks.

Stages are located at Lincoln and Irving Park (Bud Light Stage) and Lincoln and Berteau avenues (Reader Stage).

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce organizes the festival with management company Big Buzz Idea Group.

With more than 20 bands and 15 meat vendors, the event attracted almost 50,000 people in 2012, according to chamber officials.

This year, 25 vendors are signed on, including local favorites like Big Bricks, Monti’s and Big Fork Brands bacon sausage.

Ribfest will be June 7 to 9. Friday’s hours are 5 to 10 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday’s festivities from noon to 10 p.m.

The Midwest’s only sanctioned rib-eating contest is also back. Ribmania will take place June 7 at 6 p.m. In 2012, winner Tim “Gravy” Brown dominated 7.8 pounds of ribs in eight minutes, a new festival record, the Center Square Journal reported in 2012.

And families, don’t be intimidated by the beefy atmosphere, there will be a kids game and activity center on Saturday and Sunday.

See the Ribfest 2013 website for complete information.

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